News : Iowa Economic Development Authority Touring Vinton

Benton Development Group has invited a team from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to tour several Benton County communities. The delegation will survey downtown areas for strengths, challenges, and potential revitalization strategies. While providing an honest first impression of the business district, the group will also share information about programs that could accelerate future development. 

The upcoming tour will focus attention on Vinton, Atkins, Blairstown, and Newhall. Previous visits by the group helped Shellsburg's effort to receive an IEDA Catalyst Grant for the old bank building now featuring Cranky Hank's Pizza, and a visit led to Belle Plaine's designation as a Main Street Iowa Community. 

The two-day event will include a visit to each community and conversations with a few community members who will walk on the tour. Those visits will occur on October 24th and 25th.  A review and presentation meeting on the 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Vinton Country Club is open to the public, and interested members of each community and business owners are invited to attend. 

Benton Development Group (BDG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the improved well-being of all Benton County residents. Governed by a board including members from all communities in the county, the organization is the primary point of contact for businesses interested in expanding or finding locations suitable for constructing new plants. BDG has been involved in successful applications for more than $300,000 in IEDA Catalyst grants and promoted Benton County locations to several major employers looking to build new manufacturing facilities.